How To Host A Perfect New Zealand 'Barbie' Barbecue

As the summer sizzles on New Zealand’s shores, Kiwis start plating up their favourite open-air tradition. Whether you want to call it a ‘barbie’, barbecue or BBQ, this classic culinary treat epitomises the country’s all-round chilled-out nature. Here’s how the locals go about hosting their ideal gathering.

Choose your location

Traditionally, a BBQ will be hosted in a casual, home-bound setting. But the beauty of the New Zealand barbecue is that it’s quite flexible on location. If you don’t have the accessories in your backyard or apartment balcony (yes, some urban flats do have ’em), just find yourself a local park with a lots of picnic facilities, which will usually have its own grills available for public use. For those wanting to relish the local coastlines, some beaches will have public barbecues on-site as well. And if you’re keen on camping around the country, investing in a portable gas barbecue is always another option.

Kebabs and Vegetables Cooked on a New Zealand Barbecue

Tell your guests to ‘bring a plate’

Make sure you have these Kiwi BBQ food staples

So what do you actually cook on a typical Kiwi barbie? Red meat is the obvious answer, but a BBQ can also include chicken, bacon, seafood, char-grilled veges, varied sauces, and ‘gourmet’ options like a roasted leg of lamb. Beer and wine are the usual drink accompaniments on the menu.

For a truly authentic experience, make sure to bring these essential items to the table:

Steak

Steak is always a winner in New Zealand barbecues. Choose a nice thick cut, marinade it in advance, bring it to room temperature and oil it before cooking on the preheated grill. It’s that simple.

Sausages (aka, ‘bangers’)

Another Kiwi classic that shouldn’t be left out. While steaks only rely on a single turn (they’ll get rubbery otherwise), sausages need to be rotated regularly to ensure they’re cooked evenly.

White bread and tomato sauce on the side

These are to accompany your sausages. To stay true to tradition, make sure your tomato sauce is of the Wattie’s variety.

Kebabs

The beauty of kebabs is that they can be meaty or vegetarian according to taste — it’s one of the best options for making a BBQ all-inclusive. Some might even mix and match with meats and veggies on a skewer.

Corn on the cob

Char-grilled corn on the cob is an inexpensive, tasty and healthy option that’s loved by many. No butter is needed, the corn will be quite juicy on its own — eat it hot off the grill.

Potato salad

Summer is as much salad season as it is a BBQ one. And in many potluck gatherings — but especially ‘barbies’ — potato salad tends to be the most popular option. Just boil some potatoes, add whatever extras you might be craving, let everything cool and finish things off with a generous coating of mayonnaise.

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